International News

Chicago Prosecutors To Drop Sexual Assault Charges Against R. Kelly

Chicago Prosecutors To Drop Sexual Assault Charges Against R. Kelly

January 31, 2023 / International News / By

A Chicago prosecutor announced on Monday that she is dropping sexual assault charges against singer R. Kelly, following federal convictions in two courts that should ensure the disgraced R&B star is imprisoned for decades, AP news reports 

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced the decision a day before a hearing on state charges accusing him of sexually abusing four people, three of whom were minors. On Tuesday, she said she would ask a judge to dismiss the indictments. 

Why Chicago Prosecutors Are Dropping Sexual Assault Charges Against R. Kelly

Foxx, who had pleaded with women and girls in 2019 to come forward so she could press charges against Kelly, admitted that the decision “may be disappointing” to his accusers.

“Mr. Kelly is potentially looking at the possibility of never walking out of prison again for the crimes that he’s committed,” the prosecutor said, referring to his federal convictions. “While today’s cases are no longer being pursued, we believe justice has been served.”

Kelly has been convicted of a variety of crimes, including child pornography, enticement, racketeering, and sex trafficking, since his indictment in Cook County in 2019. 

Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, is serving a 30-year prison sentence in the New York case and will be sentenced in federal court in Chicago on Feb. 23.

He has filed an appeal against his convictions. Based solely on his New York sentence, the 56-year-old will not be eligible for release until he is around the age of 80.

ALSO READ: Tory Lanez’s Father Accuses Jay-Z And Roc Nation After His Son’s Guilty Verdict

Kanye West Reportedly In Ghana For Black Star Line Festival

Kanye West Reportedly In Ghana For Black Star Line Festival

January 5, 2023 / Entertainment News, International News / By

Unconfirmed reports say Kanye West is in Ghana as the American rapper readies for the Black Star Line Festival scheduled for January 6, 2023, at the Black Star Square.

A tweet from broadcaster Ebenezer Donkor on January 5, 2023, said the rapper, according to information available to him, would perform at the event.

“I’m gathering info that Kanye West will be the surprise act at the Black Star Line Festival in Ghana this weekend,” his tweet sighted by GhanaWeb read.

“Like Kanye is in Ghana already? This festival will be lit!” entertainment journalist Kwame Dadzie responded.

Meanwhile, nydjlive.com reports that American stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle has been seen having a good time in Ghana ahead of the concert.

ALSO READ: Kanye West Trolls Elon Musk, Gets Suspended on Twitter

In a short clip seen on YouTube, the actor is seen in the company of Michael Blackson, Jeremih, Vic Mensa, and Chance The Rapper as he reaches out to Sway Calloway during a party held at the Play Ghana Club.

The Black Star Line Festival is curated by Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa and will see performances from Chance himself, Erykah Badu, T Pain, Jeremih, Sarkodie, Tobe Nwigwe, Asakaa Boys, M.anifest and fellow Chicago-born hip-hop artist Vic Mensa.

https://twitter.com/nydjlive/status/1610949157417631744?s=21&t=wtb1I_b5Zt63peib11IzAg

ALSO READ: Meek Mill’s DNA Test Show He Is 18% Ghanaian; Rapper Reacts

Source: ghanaweb

LA Jury Convicts Tory Lanez, Face 22 Years In Prison For Shooting Megan Thee Stallion 

LA Jury Convicts Tory Lanez, Face 22 Years In Prison For Shooting Megan Thee Stallion 

December 24, 2022 / International News / By

A jury in Los Angeles found Tory Lanez guilty on all three charges related to the July 2020 shooting of fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the Hollywood Hills.

Lanez had pleaded not guilty to assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, according to prosecutors.

The jury convicted him on all three counts.

Megan accused Lanez of shooting her in the foot after she exited a vehicle they had been riding in following an argument.

In her testimony during the trial, Megan said an argument broke out in the car between her, Lanez, and her former friend and assistant, Kelsey Harris, Billboard Magazine reports.

The artist testified Lanez wanted her to come clean with Harris about the fact that the two of them had been intimate. But Billboard reports Megan was uncomfortable doing so because she knew Harris had a crush on the Canadian singer and rapper.

Megan said she had exited the car when Lanez shot her.

“I started walking away and I hear Tory yell, ‘Dance, b***h,” she tearfully testified, according to Billboard. “I froze. I just felt shock. I felt hurt. I looked down at my feet and I see all of this blood.”

Megan “showed incredible courage and vulnerability” during her testimony “despite repeated and grotesque attacks,” LA County DA George Gascón said in a statement to CNN following the verdict.

“You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face and you have been an inspiration to others across LA County and the nation,” he said, in reference to Megan.

“Women, especially Black women, are afraid to report crimes like assault and sexual violence because they are too often not believed. 

This trial, for the second time this month, highlighted the numerous ways that our society must do better for women,” Gascón added, referring to Harvey Weinstein being found guilty of three out of seven charges on Monday.

He also thanked the jurors for “their time and thoughtful deliberation.”

Lanez did not take the stand in his defense during the nine-day trial.

The jury, comprised of five men and seven women, began deliberating on Thursday and a verdict was reached on Friday afternoon.

Lanez was taken out of the courtroom by bailiffs in handcuffs after the verdict was read, according to CNN affiliate KCBS.

The Canadian rapper faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in prison and possible deportation back to his native Canada.

According to report, Tory Lanez is now listed as an inmate in the Los Angeles County Jalil System and his sentencing date is scheduled for January 27, 2023.

ALSO READ: Wizkid Beats Beyoncé, Bruno Mars & Others To Set Record At AMAs 2022 – See Full List

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy Visits Joe Biden At White House On His First Foreign Trip Since Russia Invaded Ukraine 300 Days Ago (video)

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy Visits Joe Biden At White House On His First Foreign Trip Since Russia Invaded Ukraine 300 Days Ago (video)

December 21, 2022 / International News / By

US President, Joe Biden has welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, in the wartime leader’s first visit outside Ukranian territory since the beginning of Russia’s invasion 300 days ago.

During the visit, the US Military confirmed that it will transfer the advanced Patriot air defence system to Ukraine for the first time as part of a $1.85bn military aid package.

Sitting alongside Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Wednesday, December 22, Biden pledged to support Ukraine to repel the Russian invasion and pursue a “just peace”.

“We’re going to continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly air defence, and that’s why we’re going to be providing Ukraine with Patriot missile battery,” Biden said.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the US government and public. “Thank you first of all,” he told the US president. “It’s a great honour to be here.”

The White House had said earlier that Zelenskyy’s visit will highlight Washington’s commitment to support Kyiv for “as long as it takes, including through the provision of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance”.

President Joe Biden welcomed Zelenskyy at the Whitehouse
President Joe Biden welcomed President Zelenskyy at the airport

Zelenskyy traveled out of Ukraine to Poland using train then was transported from Poland to the US on a US military plane.

He was dressed in his usual military wear as he was greeted by the US president and First Lady Jill Biden at the South Lawn of the White House.

Zelenskyy said in a post on his official Instagram account after he landed that he is in Washington, DC to “thank the American people, the President and the Congress for their much-needed support”. He added that the visit would “strengthen resilience and defence capabilities” of Ukraine.

The US Congress has approved tens of billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February.

Unkrain President visits Joe Biden at Whitehouse
President Joe Biden shaking hands with Zelenskyy when welcoming him at the Whitehouse

Wednesday’s aid from the US to Ukraine is one of the largest so far. It brings the total of American assistance to Ukraine since the start of the Biden administration to $21.9bn, accord.

“Today’s assistance for the first time includes the Patriot Air Defense System, capable of bringing down cruise missiles, short range ballistic missiles, and aircraft at a significantly higher ceiling than previously provided air defense systems,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The Pentagon said the package also includes ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), precision-guided artillery rounds and high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) amongst other equipment.

Watch the videos below

Following his meeting with Ukraine’s President, Joe Biden took to his verified Facebook account to post a photo of himself and Zelenskyy in which the American President placed his hands on Vodymyr’s shoulder while the two smiled beautifully. “You’re welcome Mr. President” — Joe captioned the post.

Photo of Joe Biden and Zelenskyy (credit : Joe Biden)

SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com

Kanye West Trolls Elon Musk, Gets Suspended on Twitter

Kanye West Trolls Elon Musk, Gets Suspended on Twitter

December 2, 2022 / International News / By

American rapper and fashion designer, Kanye West, has been suspended on Twitter after trolling his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, and Elon Musk, the new owner of the social media platform.

Kanye West in a tweet claimed that he caught basketballer, Chris Paul, with his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian during an unhinged Friday morning, December 2.

Even though Ye shared Chris Paul’s phots but he didn’t indicate in the tweet when and where the incident actually happened.

He tweeted, “Let’s break one last window before we get outa here. I caught this guy with Kim. Good night.”

Kanye West accuse Chris Paul of cheating with his Ex-Wife Kim Kardashian
Kanye West accuses Chris Paul flirting with his Ex-Wife Kim Kardashian

Trolling Elon Musk, the rapper shared also an image showing the billionaire shirtless while on water and said, “Let’s always remember this as my final tweet.” Musk in the comment section said, “That is fine.”

Kanye West Trolls Elon Musk
Ye posted a photo of Elon Musk claiming of going out with his Ex-Wife

This prompted Elon Musk claiming that the posts violates the micro blogging platform’s rule against inciting violence. The tweet was deleted shortly before West’s account was shut down.

ALSO READ: Kanye West Explains How He Was Nearly Jailed Over A $50 Million IRS Debt (VIDEO)

Kanye’s Twitter account has now been suspended and ceased temporarily after the rapper posted a series of controversial tweets including supposed text messages between himself and Twitter CEO Elon Musk.

Elon Musk suspends Kanye West Twitter Account
Kanye West twitter suspended

ALSO READ: Kanye West And Kim Kardashian Have Officially Divorced – Kim Gets 200K A Month In Child Support


SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com

Kanye West Explains How He Was Nearly Jailed Due to a $50 Million IRS Debt (VIDEO)

Kanye West Explains How He Was Nearly Jailed Over A $50 Million IRS Debt (VIDEO)

December 2, 2022 / Entertainment News, International News / By

Kanye West has disclosed that he was on the verge of going to jail due to his current $50 million IRS debt. 

This comes just a few days after Kanye West and Kim Kardashian agreed a divorce settlement of $200k per month in Child Support, which also includes the resolution of both child custody and property-related issues.

However, According to Vibe, Kanye confessed in a video about his difficult financial situation to presenter Tim Pool during an interview with the Timcast IRL podcast on Monday, November 28.

The rapper appeared alongside right-wing commentators Nick Fuentes and Milo Yiannopoulos. 

He stated that he had been told by his “financial guys” that he would “had to pay a lot of taxes.”

“I’m talking about literally finding out that they were trying to put me in prison this morning,” the fashion designer said. “But I found out — okay, so they froze, they put a $75 million hold on four of my accounts.”

ALSO READ: Kanye West And Kim Kardashian Have Officially Divorced – Kim Gets 200K A Month In Child Support

“And then they said, you owe a lot of taxes. Took me like six hours to find out how much. A lot, well, around $50 million,” he said.

West continued stating that he isn’t “the most financially literate person on the planet” and that he went around to his businesses’ “different CFOs” to see whether or not he was participating in tax evasion. This then led the rapper to disclose that he hasn’t known “how to run a company.”

“So now I’m having — I get to actually learn how to run a company. I get to learn how to, you know, to count, really,” Ye said of his finances. “It’s like I didn’t even know where to put the money.”

Why Did Feminist Group Issued A Letter To Support Amber Heard?

Why Did Feminist Group Issued A Letter To Support Amber Heard?

November 17, 2022 / International News / By

Feminist group has issued an open letter in support of actress Amber Heard who lost a defamation lawsuit against her former husband Jonny Depp in year June.

According to the open letter first shared NBC News, More than 130 signatories including writer Gloria Steinem and other feminist organization such as National Organization for women and women’s  and women’s march expressed their support for Heard and criticized the persecution he has suffered since his trial.

The letter was also signed by organizations concerned with sexual assault awareness and domestic abuse.

Why Feminist Group Issued A Letter Support Amber Heard On Her Defamation Suits Against Depp
Amber Heard at Paranoia Premiere
Letter Of Feminist Group Who Support Amber Heard

“Much of this harassment was fueled by disinformation, misogyny, biphobia and a monetized social media environment where a woman’s allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault were mocked for entertainment,” the letter said.

“The same disinformation and victim-blaming tropes are now being used against others who have alleged abuse.”

Heard has been subjected to a barrage of abuse and mockery, particularly on social media, where fans of Depp accused her of lying about being a survivor of domestic violence during her relationship with Depp. In 2017, the couple divorced.

ALSO READ: How Pop Smoke Was Killed, His Last Words Reveals By Amelia Rose On How He Was Shot Dead

Depp filed the defamation lawsuit in response to a Washington Post column in which Heard said she was a “public figure representing domestic abuse.”

Heard did not name Depp, but Depp’s lawyers stated that the story referred to accusations made after their divorce.

After a seven-week trial, a Virginia jury awarded Depp $15 million in damages, which was ultimately lowered to $10.35 million.

Soon after the trial, Heard addressed the ruling. She stated in a statement that she is “disappointed with what this verdict means for other women”.

“It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”

Heard’s attorneys have filed an appeal. After a Depp attorney termed Heard’s abuse allegations a “hoax,” Depp filed an appeal against the $2 million jury award.

Meanwhile, Amber Heard’s contract with L’Oreal was canceled after she was fired from her part in Aquaman 2. Despite the fact that Johnny Depp’s defamation lawsuit is still continuing, a growing petition calling for Heard to be removed from her position in Aquaman 2 has nearly two million signatures.

How Pop Smoke Was Killed, His Last Words Reveals By Woman Amelia Rose On How He Was Shot Dead photo credit: Pop smoke Source: instagram

How Pop Smoke Was Killed, His Last Words Reveals By Amelia Rose On How He Was Shot Dead

November 17, 2022 / Entertainment News, International News / By

Amelia Rose, the woman who was present when rapper Pop Smoke was killed, recounted a horrific story of the Brooklyn rapper’s murder on the first episode of WE TV’s Hip Hop Homicides, which aired earlier this month.

Rose was with the rapper when he was shot during a home invasion in February 2020. Rose recalls Pop walking upstairs to use the restroom in the Hollywood Hills house he was renting at the time for host Van Lathan.

According to Amelia Rose, she was scared when the four burglars stormed into the house a short while later, brandishing a gun at her.

“Pop said he was going upstairs. I’m sitting on the bed and I’m starting to take off my clothes, and he said: ‘OK, I’ll come back,’” she recalled. “He was going to the restroom and so these were his last words.”

This moment, it was like a couple seconds and I hear the noise,” Rose continued as she described hearing a sliding glass door open into the second-story bedroom. “The guy was in the mask and his gun was like… ‘Look at me,’ you know? His eyes made me so scared. They run to the restroom. Pop screamed, ‘What?!’”

Amelia Rose continued to relive with tears in her eyes how Pop Smoke had been dragged from the bathroom by the armed intruders and how, following a little ruckus, she had heard the fatal gunshot.

In another part of the episode,Rose speaking for the first about the murder of Pop Smoke on Hip Hop Homicide acknowledged that she has problems falling asleep at night and that she is still in disbelief that she survived the home invasion that killed the 20-year-old rapper.

Pop Smoke was slain during a home invasion in Los Angeles on February 19, 2020.

According to Daily News, a 15-year-old boy fatally shot the 20-year-old New York rapper in order to steal his diamond-encrusted Rolex and Cuban-link Chain.

The killer allegedly sold Pop Smoke’s Watch for $2,000, according to the report.

Four persons were caught and charged with Pop Smoke’s murder a few months after his death, including Corey Walker, 21, Keandre Rodgers, and two underage teens whose identities were not revealed due to their age.

Hip Hop Homicides is a new series produced by 50 Cent that delves at the murders of prominent rappers.

SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com

Offset Addresses Takeoff Death - Official Statement Released Credit: Jesse Grant / Getty Images

Offset Addresses Takeoff Death – Official Statement Released

November 16, 2022 / Entertainment News, International News / By

Offset has released a statement in response to address the murder of Takeoff a fellow Migos member.

Offset offered heartfelt tribute to his cousin and rhyming partner, Takeoff, on Instagram on Tuesday, November 15.

Offset penned a letter to the late Migos member, who was tragically killed in Houston on Nov. 1. It was accompanied by a series of photos and videos of many moments shared between the two rappers.

“Dear Take, doesn’t feel real posting you like this,” Offset wrote in the tribute post’s caption. “This still doesn’t feel like reality. I’ve been searching for the right words to say, but there aren’t any that will suffice. Until we meet again, rest in power. I love you.”

“The pain you have left me with is unbearable,” Offset continued in the tribute to Takeoff below.

“My heart is shattered and I have so many things to say, but I can’t find the right words. I’ve been going to sleep and waking up hoping that all of this is a dream but it’s reality and reality feels like a nightmare. Every time you would see me, you didn’t give me a dap, you gave me a hug.”

ALSO READ: Offset Pays Tribute To Takeoff On Instagram After Migos Member’s Death

Offset continued: “I wish I could hug you one last time, laugh one last time, smoke one last time, perform one last time. I know someone with a soul like yours is in heaven now. I hope you can see how much we love you and miss you. You have left a hole in my heart that will never be filled.”

The Atlanta rapper finished the emotional tribute by wishing strength and encouragement for himself and Takeoff’s loved ones before asking the late rapper to give him a sign from above.

“Give me strength, give your brothers strength, give your family strength,” wrote Offset. “Even though I know you will always be with us, throw me a lil sign or a beautiful dream. I love you forever [for life] and after.”

Although this is the first time he has publicly made a statement following Takeoff’s passing back on Nov. 1, Offset first acknowledged the tragedy on Nov. 2 when he changed his profile photo on Instagram to an angelic photo of the late Migos rapper.

Takeoff was shot and killed just before 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, after an altercation outside 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston, according to

Most people recall the Migos rapper as a reserved, quiet man with a gift for lyricism who made numerous contributions to the current state of hip-hop. On November 11, he was laid to rest at a public “Celebration of Life” at Atlanta’s State Farm Area.

Offset Addresses Takeoff Death

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by OFFSET (@offsetyrn)

SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com

Soulja Boy Blasts Elon Musk For Twitter Changes, Says He Is Making His Own App Photo of Soulja Boy Credit: Soulja Boy SOURCE: Instagram

Soulja Boy Blasts Elon Musk For Twitter Changes, Says He Is Making His Own App

November 14, 2022 / Entertainment News, International News / By

American hip hop rapper, Soulja Boy has taken to social media to blast new Twitter CEO Elon Musk, claiming he is creating his own App

Soulja Boy expressed his displeasure with the billionaire entrepreneur in a series of tweets blasting Elon Musk and claiming about the modifications Elon has made on Twitter, attempting to make things difficult.

A photo of Soulja Boy Credit: Soulja BoySource: Instagram
A photo of Soulja Boy Credit: Soulja Boy
Source: Instagram

Not only the rapper, but many celebrities and Twitter users are dissatisfied with the way things are managed and handled on the microblogging platform and are deleting their accounts.

However, on November 11, Soulja Boy took to Twitter to express his displeasure after learning that Twitter users can now pay $8 per month to get a verified check, one of the most major changes to the app since Tesla CEO Elon Musk took over.

ALSO READ: Drake Loses $2 Million Bet After Israel Was Defeated By Alex Pereira At UFC 281

“Now u can just pay to be verified? Twitter has been destroyed,” the “Rick and Morty” rapper posted.

“Wow… I can’t believe this. Fuck it I’m going to create my own app,” Soulja Boy added. “Bye twitter [deuces emoji] catch me on instagram until my app launches.”

Soulja Boy isn’t the only artist to express his concern with Elon Musk’s changes to Twitter. Doja Cat called out the billionaire entrepreneur last week after changing her Twitter handle to “Christmas” and then being unable to change it back.

See his posts Below

https://twitter.com/souljaboy/status/1591267463752482816?s=20&t=UK7ddbbjVu41wCA62_uRig

https://twitter.com/souljaboy/status/1591267999142797312?s=20&t=ZdRyONrVEuUfituP_UD7bQ

SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com